Why do people stop riding?

[Flowrider]

I've a friend who joined our Random Riders mountain biking group and came on a few rides with us and then just stopped riding. totally

When I asked her why, she couldn't come up with a reason except for, "Just didn't like it"

Have you come across similar or real reasons why people just stop riding?

[rydabent]

I think you will find that many people in mid life decide that riding a bike would be good exercise. So they go to the local bike shop, and they sell them a mountain bike. Then they find that riding the bike is harder than they thot, and the tiny seat hurts. So they hang the bike in the garage for 5 years, and then sell it on a garage sale for pennies on the dollar. However----------------if they had bought a bent or a trike, there is almost no pain connected with riding, and they keep up riding. With a bent or a trike, the get comfort, view, and ease of use.

[GirishH]

Just curious—does your friend still have her bike, or did she sell it? Or was she renting one for your rides?

Also, how tough were your routes? If they were intermediate or advanced, a newbie like me would probably just walk the bike down, clutching my life in my hands—and I might not join again after that!

I’ve tried a few new sports and enjoyed some, though I couldn’t continue others due to lack of time.

Personally, I’m slowly falling in love with mountain biking, though I know the risks. If I were younger, I would’ve fallen head over heels for it, but now I’m much more cautious. I even have friends who took bad falls and needed years to recover before riding again.

If people were more risk-averse, they might quit mountain biking altogether and stick to road biking—arguably “safer,” but definitely less fun.

The truth is, mountain biking isn’t for everyone. For three nights this past week, I was dreading the route I had to take back to civilization. I kept telling myself: I got myself into this, and I have to get myself out.
   

Had I joined your group on such a gnarly, sketchy section, guess what I’d do the next time you invited me? Probably say no!

It was so hard for me to stay present and navigate those landslide zones without spiraling into thoughts of slips or rockfalls.

Next time, I’ll go back—but without MisterGordo. I have Nepali friends and downhill/Enduro addicts who love such trails but I am still new..

So, back to my question: does she still have her bike, and what level of routes did she ride with you?

(09-10-2025, 06:32 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  I've a friend who joined our Random Riders mountain biking group and came on a few rides with us and then just stopped riding. totally

When I asked her why, she couldn't come up with a reason except for, "Just didn't like it"

Have you come across similar or real reasons why people just stop riding?

[meamoantonio]

this is a part of a normal cycle (pun intended) of things when it comes to cycling, a lot of people just go full send buy everything and try for a few weeks and then just quit or leave their bike in the garage or sell their bike as soon as they get tired of it, this really happens to all kinds of hobbies and disciplines, I guess the more important part to remember is, sometimes you will be that person to another group of people taking up another hobby, and it we should welcome everyone wether they will be riding with us for a few days or weeks or they will be riding with us for years to come, it is the memories that we make with these people that will make it all worth while.

I'd also like note that as people who have developed a love for this hobby, it is also our job to welcome these new riders, to make people taking up the hobby feel as welcome as possible because the more people who learn to love this sport, the more money flows into the industry, and hopefully, it also translates to... more accessible parts like Shimano Cues haha I hope this helps

[Flowrider]

@GirishH .Pretty much what @rydabent wrote. Stored up in her garage! 😀

[JJMarsh]

(09-10-2025, 06:32 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  I've a friend who joined our Random Riders mountain biking group and came on a few rides with us and then just stopped riding. totally

When I asked her why, she couldn't come up with a reason except for, "Just didn't like it"

Have you come across similar or real reasons why people just stop riding?

It's pretty common. People often stop riding for a few key reasons. Sometimes the initial excitement wears off once they realize how much effort and commitment is involved. Other times, it's practical issues like cost, time, or not having the right fitness level to keep up with the group. Fear or a bad experience on the trail can also be a factor, even if they don't admit it openly.

In your friend's case, "just didn't like it" might really mean she didn't enjoy the group dynamics, the trail difficulty, or felt pressured. Riding just isn't for everyone, and that's okay. The best thing is to stay open and welcome her back if she ever changes her mind.

[Flowrider]

I've talked to her since then and actually feel she's got the wrong bike for where she occasionally rides (with us), and this has put her off.

I've mentioned to her that some people have two bikes: one for off-road and a hybrid.

She knows she'll always be welcome back.

We'll see how this progresses.